Runners/Walkers - Safety question

ltfitz89

I have recently begun walking because I can't get motivated to get to the gym. I take my dog so she gets exercise too and we have recently begun crossing over a main road to get a change of scenery. It just occurred to me tonight that I don't carry anything on me but my phone, specifically, no identification. I walk mostly on residential roads with little car traffic, but since I have begun to venture further and further from my home I think it might be wise to carry at least my license.

What do you do? Do you carry anything with you? And if you walk in the evening, do you carry a flashlight or safety-wear?

Brendajo510

I take my dog out to exercise with me too!! He does C25K with me

I take my phone (I broke down and bought a strap to wear on my arm to carry my phone). I used to carry it but it made me nervous to run with it in hand and having my dog's leash in my other hand.

I'd say if you are going far, then you might take something just in case. If you have a medical issue, I would recommend a medical ID bracelet (Laurenshope.com is my fav!). I bought some wrist sweat bands on amazon pretty cheap that had zippers. That way I could carry money discreetly and safely because my workout clothes do not have pockets (or have pockets that are waaayy too small). If you are just walking, then you might take a water bottle, PetSmart used to have some that you could clip on you and water your dog. If you are going REALLY far and long, you could take a bag with you with your stuff.

As for running in the evening, it can depend on where you live. Some small towns can be perfectly safe and well lit to go jogging well into the evening and dark. But other cities with larger populations, I would never go running after dark or late dusk. Period. But where I live(the city), it wouldn't be safe.

Edit: Oh and if you do run at night or very early morning, you might consider those reflectors so cars can see you. Bright colors are also important.

justjenn1977

I do night hikes a lot... so I have a headlamp... ummm... I also go on night rides...

I carry a pocket knife... but pretty much as a tool and not a self defense weapon...

I pretty much don't worry about self defense when I am in the wilderness...

when I walk in town after dark I usually take my friend... who is 6'1" and looks like a linebacker... we are losing together

justjenn1977

oh... and I do worry about bears... sometimes... but I carry a big stick for them...

helps me walk better...

MoreBean13

I take my dog out to exercise with me too!! He does C25K with me

I take my phone (I broke down and bought a strap to wear on my arm to carry my phone). I used to carry it but it made me nervous to run with it in hand and having my dog's leash in my other hand.

I'd say if you are going far, then you might take something just in case. If you have a medical issue, I would recommend a medical ID bracelet (Laurenshope.com is my fav!). I bought some wrist sweat bands on amazon pretty cheap that had zippers. That way I could carry money discreetly and safely because my workout clothes do not have pockets (or have pockets that are waaayy too small). If you are just walking, then you might take a water bottle, PetSmart used to have some that you could clip on you and water your dog. If you are going REALLY far and long, you could take a bag with you with your stuff.

As for running in the evening, it can depend on where you live. Some small towns can be perfectly safe and well lit to go jogging well into the evening and dark. But other cities with larger populations, I would never go running after dark or late dusk. Period. But where I live(the city), it wouldn't be safe.

Edit: Oh and if you do run at night or very early morning, you might consider those reflectors so cars can see you. Bright colors are also important.

^This. Also, let someone know the route you plan to take and how long you plan on going, and in your cell phone, create an entry for I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency). This is what emergency personnel looks for to find who to contact for you.